Lewis Hamilton refuses to blame Mercedes for US Grand Prix issues

The Briton finished third in Austin and failed to wrap up the F1 title.

Lewis Hamilton is refusing to put the blame on Mercedes after he revealed a car problem contributed to his failure in sewing up the world championship in America.

The 33-year-old needs just five points to close out the title, meaning seventh in Mexico City on Sunday will be enough to get the job done with two rounds to spare.

After he secured a brilliant pole, it was expected that Hamilton would be crowned champion in Austin, Texas, but a strategy error by Mercedes denied him a shot at victory.

The water pump on Hamilton’s car was also replaced before the race after a leak had been identified on team-mate Valtteri Bottas’ machinery.

Congrats to Kimi, he did a great job today out there. A huge thanks to the fans for always making this such a special place to race. We keep working and will push forward to the next one in Mexico #USGP#F1@MercedesAMGF1pic.twitter.com/otpMJS0DhS

A set-up issue, when his vehicle was hastily put back together, also came to light after the race, with the Briton saying it affected his performance.

Hamilton, who will watch NFL side Atlanta Falcons take on the New York Giants on Monday night, has asked to be kept in the loop of Mercedes’ analysis by his race engineer, Pete Bonnington, before he heads south of the border.

“You saw that the car was in a million pieces on Sunday morning, so that was not ideal for the race,” Hamilton said.

“If we didn’t have a morning like that our race outcome would have potentially been different.